Chapter 149: Better than anticipated
Hex’s interest peaked when he heard Laila call the young man the Duke’s heir. This was one of the people eying the land around Grindeston.
’His energy is more abundant than other Knights I have encountered. Even Laila’s energy seems a bit weaker than his.’
The Commander mentioned the Duke wished to acquire more Fiend crystals to increase the chance of his son being taken in by the Paladins. This helped Hex understand how high the requirements of the three factions were if even a half-step Refinement Knight wasn’t guaranteed entry.
"Adept Mike, I am Tarquin Tauriel, son of Theonin Tauriel, Duke of the North. I would like to invite you as a Refiner of my family. I assure you, we will have plenty of resources for you to hone your craft."
Laila cursed the Tarquin on the inside but didn’t dare to show it. The Tauriel family wasn’t one the Union liked to offend. They were easily angered and held grudges for as long as they lived. But she couldn’t let an Adept Refiner fall through her grasp.
"Adept Mike, the Tauriel family is the most renowned in the north but seeing you came to us first, I would still like to extend an invitation to join us. We don’t lack resources either."
Tarquin squinted his eyes but couldn’t find fault in her words. His father wouldn’t have cared and shut the lady up but as a young man, he still cared about public opinion and didn’t wish to be seen like a brute.
Hex laughed inwardly seeing them fight for him. He didn’t expect a Supreme quality but was glad he achieved it. An Adept Refiner could handle Demon crystals effortlessly and achieve up to B-quality with Fiend Crystals. But his Supreme quality meant that he could refine Fiend crystals up to A-quality and even retain a part of the elements inside them.
’Master Refiners probably can do it effortlessly but they require a higher price and take a share of the refined crystals. Tarquin wants me because he doesn’t need to offer me the same rewards.’